THE founder of Wantage Youth Swim-ming Club, Jeff Eyley, said he felt “ten feet tall” when he recently received two long service awards.

Mr Eyley, 76, who started the club 35 years ago, was nominated for the national and regional long service awards by the Amateur Swimming Association.

He was presented with the awards by the association’s president, Roger Penfold, at Wantage Leisure Cen-tre.

More than 100 people, including former swimming club members, family and friends, were at the presentation.

Mr Eyley, of Garston Lane, Wantage, said: “I couldn’t believe it. I felt ten feet tall.

“I was completely surprised to see so many people there.”

The father of six and grandfather of 20 said it was great to see many of the men and women he had taught to swim.

He said: “Now I am teaching their children.

“I have about 50 members aged from five until we can get them to leave, normally up to 15 or 16.”

Mr Eyley received his awards at the poolside.

His daughter, Sue Dickinson, secretary of the club, said she was extremely proud of her father.

Wife Ann added: “It was amazing. Jeff was shown a huge amount of support.

“I would like to thank the many people who attended the leisure centre.”

The Wantage Youth Swimming Club meets at the leisure centre, in Portway, every Monday, between 6pm and 7pm.